After the two departed, the Dark Mist shrouding the Yu Family estate did not vanish. It lingered until the next morning, fading slowly with the dawn.

By the following day, news of what happened at the Yu Family spread through every street and alley.

The Yu Family’s influence had evaporated overnight beneath that black fog. Not a single soul survived.

Many tried to uncover how they died. Yet no matter how thoroughly they investigated, no answers emerged. The Yu Family members seemed to have perished without a trace—no wounds, no signs of struggle.

This bred deep unease. Unknown killing methods were the most terrifying. Worse, during the hours the Dark Mist enveloped the estate, not a single scream reached the outside world.

It meant the perpetrator could extinguish lives silently. And the sheer scale—wiping out an entire household at once—was chilling.

The incident drew the city governor’s attention. He even dispatched the Imperial Guard to investigate. But they uncovered nothing useful. The governor grew deeply troubled. How could such a terrifying figure operate freely in his city? Someone capable of erasing one of the city’s three great powers—the Yu Family—must possess horrifying strength.

If this person turned against the city itself… the danger was immense. He could only hope they held no ill will.

What troubled him most was the utter lack of leads. He didn’t know who this was, what they wanted, or why the Yu Family was targeted.

Naturally, the other two great families also heard the news.

In a dimly lit room with sparse furnishings, a rectangular table stood surrounded by chairs. Shadowy figures—men and women—occupied the seats. At the head sat a more ornate chair, carved from rare wood. Anh Shen Yundi, patriarch of the Shen Family and one of the city’s three power brokers, sat there.

His expression grave, Shen Yundi fixed sharp eyes on the servant kneeling on one knee across the table.

“Any leads on who did this?”

“Reporting to the Patriarch… this unworthy one failed. No traces were left behind. We investigated thoroughly, yet found nothing of value.” The servant kept his head bowed, avoiding Shen Yundi’s gaze.

“Is that so?” Shen Yundi’s voice held no room for argument. “Continue the search. But move carefully. Do not expose yourselves. We must avoid drawing this person’s hostility toward the Shen Family.”

“Yes, Patriarch!”

“Dismissed.” Shen Yundi waved a hand.

“This one takes his leave!” The servant backed out, closing the door softly behind him.

Silence reclaimed the room. After a long pause, Shen Yundi broke it.

“Your thoughts?”

“We should seek an alliance,” an older man on the left spoke first. “Until we understand their intentions, provoking them would be unwise.”

“I agree with Shen Ling,” another elder on the left added. “Avoiding enmity is crucial. If we can befriend them… it might benefit the Shen Family. After all, they erased the Yu Family—a power equal to ours—with ease. If friendship fails, we must not make enemies. Or we may become the next Yu Family.”

“We could send gifts,” a middle-aged man on the right suggested. “A gesture proving we mean no harm. It might open doors.”

“Gifts?” A woman beside him scoffed lightly. “Someone that powerful may scorn trifles. If we send anything, it must be truly significant. Only then will our sincerity be clear.”

“But we still don’t know who did this,” Shen Yundi finally interjected. He had listened silently until now. “The investigation continues.”

A heavy silence fell. The air grew thick enough to choke on.

“We wait and watch,” an elderly man on the right said slowly. His weathered face spoke of long experience. “For now, act with restraint. No unnecessary provocations. Once we identify this person, we decide whether to seek friendship… or prepare for war.”

“…Perhaps that is our only option.” Shen Yundi rested his chin on clasped hands, eyes fixed on the table’s grain. “Issue the order: all Shen Family members are to keep a low profile. Avoid conflicts. Absolutely no troublemaking.”

The others nodded in unison. None wished to attract the attention of such an unknown, terrifying force. Death without warning was a fate no one courted.

“This meeting is adjourned.” Shen Yundi rose and left.

“Yes, Patriarch!”

Only after he departed did the others rise to carry out his commands.

Across the city, within the Wang Clan’s estate, a near-identical scene unfolded in a shadowed chamber. They, too, debated the origin of the Dark Mist that annihilated the Yu Family. Their conclusion mirrored the Shen Family’s: wait and watch. Let the enemy make the first move.

But none of this concerned Nian Xifeng anymore.

After bringing Nian Yuchi home, he stayed constantly by her side. Anyone would be terrified after such an ordeal.

Nian Yuchi was human. She knew fear. Years of hardship had taught her resilience, but that didn’t erase her vulnerability. She was a girl who needed protection—and her protector was her brother.

Only in Nian Xifeng’s arms could she truly be that girl. That little sister who needed shielding.

Since returning home, she’d clung to him, afraid to let him out of her sight. She hadn’t shown fear at the Yu estate—not in front of strangers. She’d worn a mask of strength. But with her brother? She could drop the act. She could be soft. She could seek comfort.

And Nian Xifeng let her. He indulged her need to be held.

He blamed himself. His protection had been insufficient. *If only I’d arrived sooner…* Regret was useless now. All he could do was comfort her. Prevent lasting scars.

He couldn’t bear to lose Nian Yuchi. He’d tasted the agony of losing family once. He wouldn’t survive it again. She was his most precious person. His world.

When he’d heard she was taken, his world had shattered. Terror and confusion flooded him. The thought of losing her forever was paralyzing. And beneath the fear burned white-hot rage. *Anyone who harms her… is already dead.*

That cold fury had driven him to storm the Yu estate. He’d cut down anyone who didn’t immediately reveal Yuchi’s whereabouts. No warnings. No hesitation.

After rescuing her, he’d made a vow: he would stay by her side. Never let her face danger alone again. Never allow this to repeat.

“Yuchi.” Nian Xifeng’s voice was soft as he held her close.

“Mm?” She shifted slightly in his arms.

“I’ll come to your school with you.” His gaze drifted to the ceiling. He tightened his hold on her.

They lay together in bed. Last night, shaken and refusing to be alone, Yuchi had clung to his neck when he tried to leave for his own room. Seeing her tearful, pleading eyes, he’d relented.

So they’d slept together again, as they had when they were children.

“Mm. Whatever you say, Brother.” She hugged him back. “But… what about Yu Ying? You just joined her group, right?” Though happy, she worried for him.

“I’ll explain to them. Mornings with you at school. Afternoons, you come with me to their sessions. We’ll stay together. I’ll keep you safe.”

“Mm. I’ll follow Brother’s decision. Always.” Her voice was small, trusting.

Nian Xifeng gently stroked her hair. She melted under his touch, face softening like a contented child.

“Then it’s settled. Today, I’ll visit your school.” His decision was quiet, firm.

“Mm.”